Dublin Zoo names baby giraffe

Dublin Zoo has given the name Tamu to a rare female Rothschild giraffe after inviting suggestions from members of the public.

The name for the zoo's new arrival means “sweet one” in Swahili and was submitted by Grainne Byrne of Summerhill in Co Meath.

The giraffe was born in June, joining ten other giraffes at the zoo. She has a pale tan coat, making her easily recognisable among the rest of the herd.

Team leader of the zoo’s African plains Helen Clarke-Bennet said the calf was doing very well. “She is an extremely well adjusted and relaxed calf, following the herd wherever they wander,” she said.

“We received an overwhelming number of superb suggestions and picking the winning entry was not easy. We chose the name Tamu as it fits her personality perfectly.”

The Rothschild giraffe is one of the most threatened of the nine giraffe sub-species. Rothschild male giraffes grow to six metres in height and can weigh over 2000kg. and fewer than 700 now live in the wild. Their coat is a distinct mix of dark patches that are broken up by bright cream channels.

Live footage of the giraffe herd can be seen on Dublin Zoo’s African Savanna webcam on the Dublin Zoo website. See dublinzoo.ie